Microbial communities play essential roles in agroecosystem functioning, yet the effects of different rice farming practices on their structure and dynamics remain underexplored, particularly across soil and water compartments. This study compared microbial assemblages in organic and conventional rice fields in southern Brazil over a single growing season, based on ten samples collected from two fields. High-throughput sequencing of 16S region V3V4 and 18S region V4 rRNA genes was used to profile bacteria, unicellular eukaryotes, fungi, and metazoa at three time points during rice cultivation. Community composition and diversity differed between farming systems and over time. In soil, bacterial richness was higher in conventional systems at specific time points but showed greater temporal variability. In water, microbial communities in organic systems were generally more diverse and stable, with significantly lower bacterial richness in conventional systems at the initial sampling point (p < 0.01). Unicellular eukaryotes and metazoa showed strong farming-system responses, particularly in water, where organic fields supported more diverse assemblages. These findings highlight the influence of farming practices on microbial biodiversity and emphasize the importance of integrated, multi-group approaches for understanding agroecosystem functioning.
Observed sea-surface temperature (SST) trends over recent decades feature cooling in the tropical eastern Pacific and the Southern Ocean (SO). Growing evidence suggests that tropical cooling may partly stem from remote impacts of the SO. Using a hierarchy of multimodel simulations, we demonstrate that these teleconnections are robustly modulated by the mean-state intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ): Models with a more realistic ITCZ simulate a stronger tropical SST response to SO forcing via stronger wind-evaporation-SST feedback. When realistic Antarctic meltwater forcing is included, correcting a model's tropical mean-state bias yields a stronger tropical cooling response to meltwater-driven SO cooling, improving the agreement between simulated and observed SST trends. Our results suggest that the SO's contribution to tropical warming patterns is systematically underestimated due to model mean-state biases. Improving representations of the mean-state climate is therefore critical for accurately assessing large-scale climate responses associated with historical and future warming patterns.
Surveillance of antimalarial drug efficacy is essential for drug policy in the fight against malaria. This includes clinical trials of drug efficacy, molecular marker typing and ex vivo/in vitro drug susceptibility tests such as 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) assay. The goal of this review was to elaborate on the variance in the IC50 assay across labs in sub-Saharan Africa (sSA) where malaria is endemic. We systematically reviewed 71 articles, published between 2015 and 2025, evaluating IC50 in sSA where only 56 were performed in labs in Western (WA), Central (CA), East (EA) and Southern Africa (SA). The IC50 values of the major antimalarial drugs, including dihydroartemisinin (DHA), lumefantrine (LUM), mefloquine (MFQ), amodiaquine (AMD), chloroquine (CQ), piperaquine (PPQ), artesunate (ATS), artemisinin (ART) and quinine (QN), were reported. An F-test performed on the IC50 values from WA and EA, where ex vivo assays were conducted, revealed a statistically significant variation (P value <0.05) in the IC50 values of some major antimalarials (DHA, CQ, LUM and AMD). The geometric means for DHA, CQ, LUM and AMD in WA versus EA were 2.46 versus 2.21, 83.15 versus 34.34, 10.06 versus 10.47, and 10.63 versus 17.61 nM, respectively. The overall ex vivo IC50 values of CQ were generally below the known resistance thresholds. Differences in drug reconstitution solvents, the range of drug concentrations, period of drug exposure (48 or 72 h), and curve-fitting tools and assay methods were observed. These differences together could account for the variance in IC50 values across sSA. We therefore recommend regional harmonization of the IC50 protocol for antimalarial drug efficacy surveillance and formation of a regional quality assessment network of malaria IC50 labs, as a step towards reliable data sharing and integration into strategic plans for malaria elimination.
Airborne bacteria significantly influence the environment, climate, and public health. The nature and extent of these impacts, however, can vary depending on bacterial viability. To understand the sources and controlling factors of viable and non-viable bacteria in coastal aerosols, we investigated their temporal variations, cell size distributions, and enrichment during sea-to-air transfer at Wanshan Island, southern China. Viable bacteria in aerosols showed strong correlations with those in seawater in both concentration (r = 0.783) and cell size distribution, indicating a dominant seawater origin. Their emission was jointly enhanced by seawater viable bacterial abundance and chlorophyll a (r = 0.910). In contrast, non-viable bacteria showed no such correlation and exhibited distinct size patterns, and were primarily influenced by rainfall, sea surface temperature, and relative humidity, suggesting they are controlled by atmospheric physical processes. During sea-to-air transfer, viable bacteria were preferentially enriched with an enrichment factor of 236 compared to non-viable bacteria (143). Although viable bacteria account for only 13% of total bacteria in seawater, their contribution to the emission flux rises to approximately 20% (18.4 cells m-2 s-1). The estimated viable bacterial productivity flux is 2.3 × 10-7 g C m-2 d-1. Given the higher enrichment of viable bacteria in sea spray aerosols, their potential contribution to ice nucleation and cloud condensation processes in coastal regions needs further investigation. These findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between viable and non-viable bacteria in assessing marine microbial impacts on atmospheric chemistry, carbon cycling, and climate.
Enteroviruses (EVs) are the major pathogens causing viral encephalitis and meningitis and frequently drive outbreaks in high-risk settings such as schools and healthcare facilities. We analyzed outbreaks reported from 1960-2025 to map epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and serotypes, informing prevention and control. We systematically searched Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, and Wanfang from 1960 to July 1, 2025 using the keywords of enterovirus, encephalitis, meningitis and outbreak to assemble a global dataset of enterovirus encephalitis and meningitis outbreaks. Eligible studies must report outbreaks of laboratory-confirmed enterovirus meningitis or encephalitis, while those with unclear outbreak definitions or no laboratory confirmation were excluded. Standardized forms were used to extract information on outbreak characteristics, case demographics, and etiology data. A random-effects model was employed to derive combined estimates of attack rates, hospitalization rates, clinical manifestations and serotype distribution, with subgroup analyses by geographic region, temporal period, and age group. This research was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251140412). A total of 56 outbreaks (28,622 cases) across 20 countries were included. Outbreaks were most prevalent in the Western Pacific and Europe, exhibiting seasonal peaks in June-July (Northern Hemisphere) and April-May (Southern Hemisphere), with a median size of 90 cases. Schools and medical institutions were the major outbreak settings. EV-B was the dominant species (94.6%, 53/56), with E30 being the most prevalent serotype. Two decades, 2000-2009 and 2010-2019, saw the highest number of reported outbreaks. The overall attack rate was estimated at 13.2% (95% CI 6.1-22.3). Notably, the pooled hospitalization rate was exceptionally high at 94.0% (95% CI 85.9-99.2). The most frequently reported symptoms were fever, headache, and vomiting. Enterovirus encephalitis and meningitis outbreaks remain a persistent global concern, marked by high hospitalization rates, summer-autumn peaks and regional patterns. They primarily affect children under 15 years old, with multiple serotypes in circulation. Shifting toward active syndromic and genomic surveillance, alongside targeted prevention in high-risk settings, is urgently needed. This work was supported by the Beijing Natural Science Foundation (L242052) and National Key R&D Program of China (2024YFC2310403); Jiangsu Province 333 Project.
Patient trust in healthcare providers (PTP) is critical for improving treatment adherence and outcomes in substance use disorders. As concurrent opioid and methamphetamine use increasingly complicates methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), understanding PTP in this population is essential. This study aimed to examine factors associated with PTP among people on MMT using methamphetamine in Vietnam. We analyzed baseline data from a randomized clinical trial (NCT04706624) evaluating adaptive, evidence-based interventions to reduce methamphetamine use among MMT patients in Vietnam. The analysis included 412 MMT patients using methamphetamine who completed the 10-item Trust in Physicians Scale. Guided by the Social Ecological Framework, we examined individual, interpersonal, health-system, and socio-cultural factors associated with PTP using linear mixed-effects regression models. The mean PTP score was 36.6 out of 50. Female patients (β = -1.33; p = 0.012) and those with higher education (β = -1.17; p = 0.002) reported lower PTP, while provider-patient interaction showed no significant association. PTP was lower among patients treated in clinics located in a major southern city compared to those in a major northern city (β = -2.49; p < 0.001) and in clinics established after the national MMT scale-up compared to earlier-established clinics (β = -1.21; p = 0.009). Experienced MMT-related stigma from healthcare providers (β = -0.45, p < 0.001) was linked to lower PTP, while a higher social support score (β = 0.02, p = 0.036) was linked to greater PTP. Findings underscore the need to reduce provider stigma, ensure consistent care quality across clinics, and strengthen rapport with female and educated patients. Leveraging social support and the stability of long-established clinics may foster greater PTP.
The growing concerns about antibiotic resistant bacteria have emerged as a significant global health threat, raising concerns about leafy vegetables including mint as potential reservoirs for resistant strains. This study investigated antibiotic resistance in the fecal contamination indicator E.coli, isolated from locally cultivated mint in Hebron, Palestine. A total of 14 mint samples were collected from grocery markets across the central, western, and southern regions of Hebron between January and March 2024. E.coli identification was performed using biochemical testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and antibiotic susceptibility testing was done through Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. 13 isolates were confirmed to be E.coli through biochemical and molecular analyses (PCR). These were subsequently tested for phenotypic resistance through Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Among the 13 isolates, 53.9% (95% CI, 26.8-81%) and 46.2% (95% CI, 19.2-74.9%) were resistant to tetracycline and chloramphenicol, respectively. Notably, 15.4% (95% CI, 4.3-42.2%) of the isolates showed possible heteroresistance to fluoroquinolones, with one isolate displaying resistance to both tetracycline and chloramphenicol (7.7%, 95% CI, 1.4-33.3%). Intermediate resistance to orally administered cefuroxime was observed in 61.5% (95% CI, 35.1-88%) of the isolates. Furthermore, 23.1% (95% CI, 8.2-50.1%) of the isolates were classified as MDR strains based on Magiorakos et al. (2012) MDR classification criteria. This study is considered the first to demonstrate the presence of antibiotic resistance in mint plant in Palestine. Our preliminary results align with international findings, add to the existing local epidemiological data, and highlight the need to study the extent of antibiotic resistance in clinically significant bacteria contaminating fresh produce in Palestine.
Phytoplankton growth and ocean primary production depend on a nutrient supply that fluctuates across seasonal to millennial timescales. Because surface nutrients and phytoplankton biomass recycle rapidly, they obscure the large-scale pattern of nutrient stress. Here, we integrate a satellite-derived index of phytoplankton physiology with hydrographic observations, omics biomarkers, and nutrient-addition experiments to understand the drivers of ocean nutrient stress. A clear biogeography emerges. Nutrient stress tracks nutricline depth and is stronger in nitrogen- than phosphate-limited waters, peaking where cells exploit rarer alternative nutrients. Seasonal variability dominates, but there are also clear signatures of major climate modes. Over the past two decades, surface warming has broadly intensified nutrient stress. A key exception is in southern hemisphere oligotrophic regions, where enhanced nitrogen fixation appears to offset stratification effects. This synthesis of hydrography, genomics, and satellite physiology exposes contemporary, climate-linked shifts in the large-scale distribution of phytoplankton nutrient stress.
Nontyphoidal Salmonella enterica (NTS) is a major public‑health threat in the United States of America (U.S.). Evaluating associations between serovars, exposure sources, and settings in multistate outbreaks can reveal the drivers of NTS transmission and guide prioritization of targeted prevention and control strategies. We analyzed multistate animal‑contact-related NTS outbreaks reported to the CDC National Outbreak Reporting System during 2009-2022. We calculated incidence rates (IR) per 10 million population-years (MPY) and assessed temporal trends in IRs using Joinpoint regression. We constructed interstate co-occurrence networks linking serovars, exposure sources, settings, and states, and applied a random forest classifier to identify variables most useful for distinguishing outbreak profiles. We identified 177 multistate outbreaks (0.06 per 10 MPY) involving 40 serovars. Incidence significantly declined from 2009 to 2013 and remained stable thereafter. Random forest rankings identified birds and reptiles as the most influential exposure sources and agricultural feed stores and residential homes as the most influential exposure settings in distinguishing outbreak profiles. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed two major communities. The first included outbreaks involving serovars Enteritidis and Infantis, bird exposure source, and agricultural feed stores or farms as exposure settings, with co-occurrence hubs across the Midwest, Northeast, and Southern regions. The second community involved outbreaks linked with reptiles and mammals as exposure sources, residential homes and farms as exposure settings, and serovars Hadar, Typhimurium, and Braenderup, which were co-occurring in the Western and Southern regions. Multistate animal-contact NTS outbreaks clustered into distinct serovar-exposure, source, setting, and region patterns, suggesting different NTS outbreak transmission pathways. The persistence of NTS serovars across states, diverse animal-contact sources, and exposure settings underscores the ongoing zoonotic transmission risk at the human-animal and environmental interfaces. A region-specific One Health approach to prevent and control NTS outbreaks is suggested to reduce the health burden.
Evidence on the impact of physical activity on suicidal ideation remains inconsistent. We examined this association in the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort (Brazil) and updated a systematic review and meta-analysis. In 1982, all births in Pelotas (southern Brazil) were identified and prospectively followed up. Leisure-time physical activity at age 23 was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and suicidal ideation at age 30 was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using logistic regression. For the systematic review, PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycArticles were searched for studies that assessed the relationship between physical activity as exposure and suicidal ideation as outcome. We estimated pooled OR using a random-effects model of studies reporting OR and prevalence ratios (PR). In the cohort (n = 3268), being sufficiently active was associated with lower odds of suicidal ideation in crude analysis (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.41-0.78) but the association vanished after adjustment for confounders (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 0.68-1.50). Seventy-two studies met inclusion criteria for the systematic review, of which 50 studies were meta-analyzed, yielding a pooled OR of 0.81 (95% CI 0.76-0.87; I2 = 94.9%). Associations were observed in cross-sectional studies (ORpooled = 0.82, 95% CI 0.77-0.87) but not in cohort studies (ORpooled = 1.00, 95% CI 0.80-1.25). Analysis conducted in the 1982 Pelotas Birth Cohort showed that controlling for confounding is crucial. Moreover, pooled estimates from prospective studies do not support a protective association, suggesting that physical activity may not be independently associated with suicidal ideation.
Few children achieve the recommended daily levels of physical activity. Active school transportation (AST) offers a valuable opportunity to increase children's physical activity. Initiatives promoting AST in early childhood are important and have the potential to reverse the decline in physical activity. This study protocol outlines an age-cohort design to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sustainable Innovation for Children Transporting Actively (SICTA) intervention on children's AST. SICTA is a 4-week school-based intervention that incorporates gamification elements to enhance motivation and aims to increase AST in children. The intervention involves children and their parents as gatekeepers, as well as teachers delivering the intervention. All children, parents, and teachers in all schools, from grades 4 to 6 in one municipality in the southern part of Sweden, will be invited to participate in the evaluation. Following the age-cohort design, students at baseline (late fall 2024) will be compared with students of the same age from the same schools 1 year later at follow-up (late fall 2025) after receiving the intervention (implemented in late fall 2025). Using questionnaires at baseline and follow-up, this study will examine the effects of the intervention on children's levels of AST. Children's independent mobility and several mediators related to AST in both children and parents, based on the theory of planned behavior, the transtheoretical model of change, and self-determination theory, will also be examined. The intervention will also be evaluated from a sustainable perspective using the sustainable value equation. At follow-up, data collection will include a questionnaire for teachers assessing the feasibility of the intervention. The project is funded for the period 2024-2026, and follow-up data collection is ongoing following completion of the intervention in late fall 2025. Results will be reported according to the predefined outcomes, including changes in AST, children's independent mobility, psychosocial determinants among children and parents, and sustainability outcomes, as well as feasibility. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the SICTA intervention, facilitating knowledge dissemination among end users and policymakers. Swedish National Research Database Researchweb.org 283668; https://tinyurl.com/496rc6r4. DERR1-10.2196/92946.
Effective self-management in rheumatoid arthritis directly affects treatment, follow-up, and care processes. Individuals with chronic diseases can take an active role in their self-management by accessing healthcare professionals and information resources through digital health technologies. This study was conducted to examine the experiences of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in using digital health technologies in their self-management processes. This study was conducted in a university hospital in southern Türkiye with patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and employed a descriptive qualitative design. This study, data were collected using a "Patient Information Form" and a " Semi-Structured Interview Form". Using purposive sampling, the study was completed with 25 participants. Data were evaluated using thematic analysis. The 32-item Consolidated Criteria Checklist (COREQ) was used in the reporting process of the research. The average age of the participants was 36.4 ± 10.4, and 80% were female. From the analysis of the data, three main themes and seven sub-themes were created: "use of digital health technologies", "digital health technologies in self-management" and "expectations from digital health technologies". This study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis primarily use digital health technologies for accessing information, scheduling appointments, and supporting self-management in daily life. Furthermore, it was observed that patients have significant expectations regarding integrated digital health applications with healthcare professionals to ensure effective self-management. In this sense, it is recommended that digital tools be designed and experimental studies be conducted in this area, taking into account the expectations of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Gas injection is a fundamental process for hydrocarbon recovery, whereby gas is injected into the reservoir to maintain pressure and increase production of oil or gas. This study was conducted to investigate the optimization of gas injection, differentiating between the behavior of CO2 and N2, as a potential alternative to water in southern Iraqi fields (the Abu-Ghirab field, particularly) to overcome the water supply shortage as a result of climate change. Techlog, Petrel, and CMG software were utilized to examine the CO2 and N2 behaviour. The increased percentages (CO2 and N2 injection processes) in the oil production rate are 139.45 and 66.6%, respectively. The wells located near the fault section show the best water cut (approximately 18%) among all the wells. The water cut percentages are 520 and 380 for CO2 and N2 injection, respectively, pointing out that the water cut produced by the N2 injection process is higher than that of CO2 by percentage of 36.8. An acute increase in the gas-oil ratio by N2 injection (more than 40 times on average) could result. The wells far away from the fault region have the best performance of gas-oil ratio among all the wells. For the entire field, the oil production rate for the CO2 injection process shows a significant increase in both ultimate and maximum production compared to N2. This could be due to the specifications of crude oil. The sensitivity analysis of the results from CO2 injection for the Asmari formation in Abu-Ghirab for production/injection percentage and water cut shows that the water cut percentage will be acceptable during the first 9 years of the process, with concerns of economic issues due to increasing gas-oil ratio (GOR).
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is a life-threatening condition resulting from maternal-fetal erythrocyte antigen incompatibility. Although anti-Rhesus D (RhD) prophylaxis has reduced RhD-associated cases, HDFN persists due to non-RhD antibodies and gaps in prevention. Population-based data on maternal and neonatal outcomes and recurrence patterns are limited. This study aimed to characterize maternal and neonatal outcomes, health care use patterns, and recurrence rates of HDFN across pregnancies. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 464,711 pregnancies within the Kaiser Permanente Southern California system from January 1, 2008, to June 30, 2022. HDFN diagnoses were confirmed using validated natural language processing-assisted manual chart review and followed through 2023. Maternal characteristics, neonatal outcomes, and health care use were compared by HDFN status, and recurrence patterns were evaluated among individuals with ≥2 pregnancies. Chi-square tests and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to compare characteristics between HDFN and non-HDFN pregnancies. Statistical significance was defined as P<.05. Among all pregnancies, 139 of 464,711 (0.03%) were diagnosed with HDFN. Women with HDFN were more likely than those without HDFN to be older (aged ≥35 years; n=42, 30.2% vs n=97,146, 20.9%) and multiparous (n=121, 87.1% vs n=264,766, 57%). Infants affected by HDFN had higher rates of preterm birth (n=40, 28.4% vs n=42,240, 9.5%), low birth weight (<2500 g; n=22, 15.6% vs n=31,740, 7.1%), and neonatal jaundice (n=92, 65.2% vs n=162,465, 36.4%) than non-HDFN infants. Delivery hospitalizations (median 5.0, IQR 2.0-7.5 days vs median 2.0, IQR 1.0-2.0 days) and neonatal intensive care unit stays (median 4.0, IQR 0.0-7.0 days vs median 0.0, IQR 0.0-0.0 days) were longer, and maternal nondelivery hospitalizations were more frequent (n=27, 19.4% vs n=23,228, 5%) among pregnancies complicated by HDFN. Among women with a prior HDFN-affected pregnancy, 83.3% (n=25) experienced recurrence in a subsequent pregnancy. Of these recurrent cases, 32% (n=8) were severe, and 75% (n=6) involved fetal anemia requiring at least 1 intrauterine transfusion. HDFN was rare but was associated with substantial maternal and neonatal morbidity, including higher rates of preterm birth, increased neonatal intensive care unit admissions, and greater health care use. Recurrence was frequent and clinically significant, underscoring the importance of early surveillance and proactive management strategies.
Appendicitis is a common abdominal surgical emergency, but continent-wide evidence on its burden and trends in Africa is limited. We assessed the burden, trends, geographic heterogeneity, demographic drivers, pandemic-era deviations, and future projections of appendicitis across Africa. We conducted a population-level secondary analysis using Global Burden of Disease 2023 estimates for the African Union and 54 African countries from 2010 to 2023. We examined incidence, prevalence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) as absolute numbers and age-standardized rates (ASRs). Trends, drivers of change, pandemic-era deviations, and projections to 2030 were evaluated. From 2010 to 2023, appendicitis burden increased across Africa: incident cases rose from 2.45 to 3.73 million, prevalent cases from 92,805 to 141,711, deaths from 3,240 to 3,984, and DALYs from 182,086 to 226,592. Age-standardized incidence and prevalence increased modestly, whereas age-standardized death and DALY rates declined. Higher nonfatal burden was concentrated in parts of southern and western Africa, while fatal and disability burden remained highest in eastern Africa. Population growth was the main driver of increasing burden. During 2020-2023, incidence and prevalence exceeded expected levels, whereas deaths and DALYs were lower than expected. By 2030, incidence and prevalence are projected to increase in most countries, while death and DALY rates are projected to decline in most settings. Appendicitis burden in Africa increased substantially between 2010 and 2023, largely driven by demographic expansion. Persistent geographic inequalities highlight the need to strengthen timely diagnosis, referral, and emergency surgical care.
This symposium from the 2025 American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) Annual Meeting contains an overview of concepts and techniques to use during revision total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Cognitive impairment is a major public health concern among older adults. This study examined the associations of purpose in life (PIL), personal growth (PG), and life satisfaction (LS) with cognitive impairment risk, as well as potential underlying pathways. The study population comprised 1,179 U.S. women (aged 77-93 years) from the Women's Health Initiative Memory Study - Epidemiology of Cognitive Health Outcomes (WHIMS-ECHO) cohort who completed psychological well-being assessments in 2012 and were followed until 2021. Cognitive status was evaluated annually using standardized assessments and central adjudication. Over an average of 5.4 years of follow-up, 355 participants were classified with MCI (175) or dementia (180). The association between PIL and cognitive impairment was largely mediated by lower perceived stress and higher physical activity (61%), rendering the direct effect non-significant. Women in the highest PG quartile had a 33% lower risk of impairment (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.46-0.96). Mediation analyses showed both direct and indirect effects of PG. No association was found for LS. PG and PIL were linked to lower cognitive impairment risk, primarily via stress reduction and physical activity. Targeting these factors may promote cognitive health among aging populations.
Estuarine ecosystems exhibit strong environmental gradients and complex ecological processes. Here, we investigated the spatial patterns, ecological drivers and assembly processes of fungi across China's estuarine intertidal zones along a latitudinal gradient spanning the northern (NCS), eastern (ECS) and southern (SCS) coastal regions. The community α-diversity was higher in NCS and SCS than in ECS, whereas species richness was higher in ECS than in NCS and SCS. Community β-diversity increased significantly with geographic distance, with nitrate, organic carbon and ferric iron identified as the key environmental drivers. Niche analysis based on niche breadth (Levins' index) and species classification revealed a significant difference between the proportions of generalist species (32.92%) and specialist species (45.55%), and the mean niche breadth of fungal communities in NCS was significantly higher than that in ECS and SCS, reflecting the lowest environmental sensitivity. Neutral model analysis suggested that dispersal limitation was the predominant process shaping fungal community assembly, with its influence increasing from high- to low-latitude regions. Moreover, all fungal co-occurrence networks displayed weak modularity, highlighting a dispersed, non-modular interaction pattern among fungal taxa. These findings provide important insights into the macroecological patterns of intertidal fungal communities and their implications for ecosystem stability.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists elicit cardiovascular and renal protection. In humans, GLP-1 reduces plasma angiotensin II (ANGII) and increases renal perfusion, leading to increased natriuresis. The mechanisms underlying suppression of ANGII remain unclear but may involve ACE2 activation and/or a decrease in angiotensinogen. To address this hypothesis, we performed post-hoc analyses on stored arterial plasma samples from a published study. The study used a randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over design in which eight healthy male adults ingested a sodium-standardized diet for 4 days to reach steady state. Participants were examined during a 3-h infusion of GLP-1 (1.5 pmol/kg/min) or vehicle concurrent with an intravenous infusion of 0.9% NaCl (750 mL/h) to expand the extracellular volume. As previously published, GLP-1 infusion significantly increased urinary sodium excretion, and plasma ANGII concentrations decreased significantly only during GLP-1 infusion. The present analyses demonstrated that plasma angiotensinogen and ACE concentrations decreased similarly (parallel to renin concentrations) during GLP-1 and vehicle. Plasma ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) peptide concentrations remained unchanged during infusions of saline with and without GLP-1. In conclusion, the acute ANGII-lowering effect of GLP-1 does not depend on changes in circulating concentrations of angiotensinogen, ACE, ACE2, or Ang-(1-7). Changes in enzyme activities independent of concentrations cannot be excluded.